Final answer:
The first intervention when a nurse finds that a patient has fallen is to assess the circumstances of the fall and any injuries sustained. They should also document the fall and remove or correct the cause of the fall to prevent further incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse finds that a patient has fallen, the first intervention should be to assess the circumstances of the fall and any injuries sustained. This is important to determine the severity of the situation and to provide appropriate medical attention. The nurse should also document the fall according to agency policy for accurate record-keeping.
Once the patient's condition is stable and any immediate injuries are addressed, the nurse should remove or correct the cause of the fall to prevent further incidents. For example, if the patient slipped on a wet floor, the nurse should ensure that the floor is dried or warning signs are placed. Asking the patient to stand up may not be the first intervention as it could exacerbate any injuries or lead to a fall again. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to prioritize assessing the situation, documenting the fall, and addressing the cause of the fall.